Are there benefits to massage therapy during pregnancy?

• During pregnancy a woman's body undergoes many changes, some of them stressful and uncomfortable. Massage is a perfect way to reduce stress and promote general well-being.
• Massage helps mother's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combat fatigue and helps the mother feel more energetic.
• By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on mothers heart and helps to keep her blood pressure in check.
• Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension and knots can all be alleviated.
• Massage helps carry away the lactic acid and other cellular waste products that build up and cause muscle fatigue.
• Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
• Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, neck stiffness, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet.
• Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and fetus. This means greater vitality, less fatigue and better nourishment for the baby.
• Massage stimulates glandular secretions, which helps stabilize hormone levels.
• It relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles, and can also increase muscular flexibility. Flexibility will be most helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself.
• Massage helps to soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Incidentally, doctors all agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth experience, too.
• Massage can be used after the birth of the child to help her regain strength more quickly and ease postpartum stress.

Back to list of FAQ's